Description:
ADOLF HITLER OVERSIZE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR An original oversize watercolor painting by future dictator Adolf Hitler, 10" x 11 1/2" on heavy rag paper, one of his typical street scenes showing St. Michael's Church in Vienna, as well as the surrounding structures, likely painted in Vienna ca. 1910-14. The painting is executed in a black ink wash with muted shades of orange, ochre, brown, burgundy and ivory. The image is signed in medium blue paint: "A. Hitler" at lower-right in block letters, as Hitler's works typically were. The colors, style, poor perspective, utter lack of figures in the painting and choice of subject are entirely consistent and typical of Hitler's work. Indeed, he had painted St. Michael's several other times, and those images closely resemble this example. In very good condition. Set in a period (toned) mat and gold gilt frame with period hanger on reverse. Having handled many Hitler paintings in the past, we are confident that the style, signature...and the lack of trumped-up paperwork, points to this piece as being completely genuine and certainly not one of the dozens of frauds and oils (!) to have reached the market over the past dozen years. Additionally, the painting almost certainly dates to 1909 or earlier: a Vienna scholar advises us that the house at left, opposite the church, was demolished and replaced by a new building in 1909.

Description:
ADOLF HITLER (1889 - 1945) Fuhrer of Germany and Nazi Party leader, Hitler's bloody rise to power, his military seizure of most of Europe and North Africa and his genocidal racial policies culminated in suicide in his Berlin bunker as Russian troops approached. Important war-date D.S. on his blind-embossed "Der Fuhrer" letterhead, "Fuhrer Headquarters", Apr. 20, 1943 (Hitler's birthday), In German. In full: "I order the creation of an SS-Volunteer Armored Grenadier Division 'Neederland'". Co-signed by HEINRICH HIMMLER who lightly writes his initials "HH" in green indelible pencil at the conclusion of the text. Light damp stain at top margin well away from text, else very good and with a strong signature. According to a color copy of a July 6, 1945 letter (included), Lt. Henry Gellerman of Headquarters, 7th Army, G-2 MIS writes that he personally recovered the document at Hitler's retreat at Berchtesgaden. The 4.SS-Freiwilligen-Panzer-Grenadier-Brigade 'Nederland' saw action for the first time in September 1943. Serving in Croatia, the unit was reinforced with troops from the "Wiking" Division, fighting partisans and guarding communications. On Christmas Day, 1943 the brigade was sent to Leningrad to resist a Russian breakthrough. When the Russians finally broke Luftwaffe-manned lines, Gen. Felix Steiner commended the brigade for its tenacious fighting despite losing 30% of its strength through combat losses. Further losses were suffered in the defense of "Festung" Narva. The brigade was then shifted to the Kurland and exchanged desultory blows with the Soviets. By April, the brigade had been drawn back to the outskirts of Berlin, where the 49th Regiment would surrender to the Americans...only after it had destroyed the last attacking Soviet tank.

Description:
ADOLF HITLER (1889 - 1945) Fuhrer of Germany and Nazi Party leader, Hitler's bloody rise to power, his military seizure of most of Europe and North Africa and his genocidal racial policies culminated in suicide in his Berlin bunker as Russian troops approached. A most unusual signed image of Hitler, 9" x 6 3/4" b/w, showing him reclining sideways atop a park bench beside a small lake, his hands clasped together and bearing a broad grin. He has inscribed the photo: "My dear Bouhler Your Adolf Hitler". Mounted to a period white cardboard mount which has had three margins slightly trimmed. Near fine. PHILIPP BOUHLER (1899-1945) was quite close to Hitler, explaining how such an informal photo could have been presented to him. Bouhler joined the NSDAP in July 1922 with membership number 12. By autumn 1922 he had become deputy manager of the party. After the failed Beerhall Putsch, in 1925, he became Reich Secretary of the NSDAP. After the seizure of power in 1933, he became a Reich Leader and Member of the Reichstag for Westphalia. In 1934 he was appointed chief of the Chancellery, a post specially created which was set aside for party business. He held that position until 23 April 1945. Bouhler also was responsible for the killing of disabled German citizens. Together with Karl Brandt, he developed the Nazis' early euthanasia program, Aktion T4 in which mentally ill and physically handicapped people were murdered. He committed suicide by cyanide capsule on May 19, 1945 after his capture by Americans.

Description:
GEORGE S. PATTON (1885 - 1945) "Old Blood and Guts" was one of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunisia, Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. Historic content T.L.S. "G. S. Patton, Jr." with holograph postscript on War Department letterhead, 1p. 4to. Washington, Sep. 10, 1942 to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES Commanding General of the 3d Armored and 9th Armored Division, Deputy Commander of the I Armored Corps under George Patton in North Africa, and later Commanding General of II Corps and 7th Army at war's end. Just slightly less than two months before American troops would land in North Africa in Patton's first military command of the war, Patton describes his efforts to have Keyes appointed to serve as his immediate deputy, and cites the fact that he might die in the opening days of the battle. In a self-typed letter, Patton writes his old friend: "...I suppose you think I am crazy but I am not...As I see it I will command an army because I am called Task Force 'A' I have been told to organize an army Staff and am doing so. However I must say that our mutual friend (BOY WONDER) Waine [Gen. Mark] Clark may try to undercut me. However I think I can handle that. I tried to get Jake [Gen. Jacob] Devers to shift you to the command of the 3d Div without success...he will not stand in the way of your going if I can get you...My reason aside from personal friendship for taking you is that this thing is going to hang on a shoe string and I am going to have to go ashore in one of the leading waves. I have utter confidence in you and know that you...will see that the thing is pushed home and in the last extremity that you will lead the last formed body. However we must face the fact that we may be repulsed in which case I am not coming back alive. Think the thing over and let me know...". He adds in a holograph postscript: "P.S. We pull out in about a month". With transmittal envelope, hand-carried. Also present is a draft copy in his hand of Keyes' response, an A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d.], in part: "...you need never question my loyalty to you...there are four ahead of me and no vacancies in sight, not to mention one or two favorite sons of junior rank...friendship or casual promises...must not be allowed to influence you...I do not feel for one moment that I am entitled to further consideration for the important job of second in command...". Very good. Keyes would win out in the competition and indeed serve as Patton's deputy. At the end of their relationship, he would bury Patton in Luxembourg with Patton's widow at his side.

Description:
GEORGE S. PATTON (1885 - 1945) "Old Blood and Guts" was one of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunisia, Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. Historic content T.L.S. "G S P Jr." with the added notation at bottom "Secret" underlined twice on War Department letterhead, 1p. 4to., Aug. 24, 1942 to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967), Commanding General of the 3rd Armored and 9th Armored Division, Deputy Commander of the I Armored Corps under George Patton in North Africa, and later Commanding General of II Corps and 7th Army at war's end. Just slightly over two months before American troops would land in North Africa in Patton's first military command of the war, Patton asks Keyes to serve as his immediate deputy in a self-typed letter. In part: "...I am to command a task force for an overseas operation comprising initially some seventy thousand and subject to groath [sic]. At present it seems probable that it will be our chief effort for some time. Do you want to go along, If they let me have a second in command I would ask for you, otherwise I would get you shifted to the command of one of the armored divisions comprised in the expedition. I will do nothing until I hear from you and then can only do my best but believe I can manage it. Hence say nothing to anyone...You can wire me...". Interestingly, Patton sent the letter by regular first class mail, as envelope is included! Also present is Keyes' handwritten draft response (unsigned), 2pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d.]. In part: "...I appreciate your offer and am anxious to serve with you anywhere any time. It sounds too good to be true...This has the makings of one of the best divisions in the Armored Force...we have over 700 officers and 7,000 enl. men...I certainly congratulate you on your well merited and long delayed assignment...". Two pieces, fine.

Description:
CLAUS SCHENK GRAF VON STAUFFENBERG (1907 - 1944) German military officer instrumental in the infamous attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler at the "Wolf's Lair" in East Prussia". On July 20, 1944 von Stauffenberg managed to smuggle a time bomb into the headquarters and placed it behind a map table leg in the briefing room. Although four people were killed and almost all present were injured, Hitler was injured only slightly as he was shielded from the blast by a heavy, solid oaken conference table. Thinking Hitler was dead, von Stauffenberg returned to Berlin where he personally led an attempted coup d'état against the Nazi government. The attempt failed, and the following day he and four other conspirators were summarily shot. Excessively rare partly-printed D.S. "Stauffenberg" penned with his left hand (due to his Apr. 7, 1943 wounding in a strafing attack), 2pp. large 4to., Berlin, July 6, 1944, only two weeks before he would plant a bomb under Hitler's map table at the "Wolf's Lair" in East Prussia. As Chief of Staff at OKH, von Stauffenberg orders from a Berlin press quantities of three documents, including award documents for the War Merit Cross, 2nd Class and the War Merit Cross, 1st Class with Swords, both awards to be printed with the name of Gen. Friedrich Fromm, as well as a quantity of stationery and, tellingly, a telephone book for OKW which he notes in red type: "Urgent!! File holes at left, else fine. Also interesting to note that Fromm, although a conspirator himself, ordered von Stauffenberg's immediate execution following the failure of the plot. Of course, he was eventually implicated and executed less than a year later.

Description:
JAPANESE FLAG SIGNED BY THE TOKYO WAR CRIMES DEFENDANTS An outstanding and excessively rare item, a large Japanese flag signed by twenty-three of the most notorious Japanese war criminals as they awaited trial in Tokyo in 1946! The silk flag was obtained by an American guard serving at Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. Just like their counterparts in Germany, the guards in Japan often had their charges sign "souvenirs" for them. This flag, the Japanese national flag, bears a large red circle upon a white field and measures 12" x 17". All of the signatures are in broad, black with each signer writing his name in English characters. Included are the following criminals, their sentence in parentheses: General and Premier HIDEKI TOJO (Death), Diplomat SHIGENORI TOGO who signs twice (20 Years), General HEITARO KIMURA (Death), Hirohito's advisor KOICHI KIDO (Life Imprisonment), General SEISHIRO ITAGAKI (Death), General TAKASUMI OKA (Life Imprisonment), Ambassador TOSHIO SHIRATORI (Life Imprisonment), Minister NAOKI HOSHINO (Life Imprisonment), Minister OKINORI KAYA (Life Imprisonment), Admiral SHIGETARO SHIMADA (Life Imprisonment), Field Marshal SHUNROKU HATA (Life Imprisonment), General KENJI DOIHARA (Death), Baron KOKI HIROTA (Death), General JIRO MINAMI (Life Imprisonment), Ambassador MAMORU SHIGEMITSU (Seven Years), General TEIICHI SUZUKI (Life), General HIROSHI OSHIMA (Life Imprisonment), General and Korean Gov. JIRO MINAMI (Life), Baron KIICHIRO HIRANUMA (Life Imprisonment), General AKIRA MUTO (Death), General HEITARO KIMURA (Death), General KENRYO SATO (Life Imprisonment) and General YOSHIJIRO UMEZU (Life Imprisonment). The flag is in superb condition, and the signatures, black ink "painted" on the silk flag with brushes, are much bolder than they appear here. Lavishly matted in beige linen with gold wood trim, brass descriptive plaque, and gold wood frame. Ready for display.

Description:
MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY'S HAND-LETTERED RETIREMENT COMMENDATION Extraordinary, very important signed document, 1p. 13" x 17 1/2", [Washington], June 30, 1955, the hand-lettered presentation retirement commendation given to Gen. Matthew Ridgway upon his retirement from the military. The attractive document, bearing the Seal at top, is signed at bottom by Secretary of the Army ROBERT T. STEVENS. It praises Ridgway's service noting: "...Few men have carried such heavy responsibilities...you courageous leadership...pioneered the development of airborne warfare and played a brilliant part in the victory of the Allied forces. In the Korean conflict, the outstanding skill and determination with which you led the Eighth Army against the Chinese Communist and North Korean armies won for you...the plaudits of the Free World..." The commendation further praises Ridgway's role as Commander in Chief of the U.N., as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, and as Army Chief of Staff "...during one of the most critical periods in our history...". Fine condition, in a simple wood frame. From Ridgway's estate, with a copy of the 1997 auction listing and paid receipt for its purchase.

Description:
MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY'S PERSONAL COPY OF THE HISTORY OF THE 82ND AIRBORE DIVISION MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY (1895 - 1994) American Army general who led airborne assaults on Sicily, jumped with his 82nd Airborne during the Normandy invasion, and commanded U.N. forces in the Korean War. Exceptional association item, Ridgway's personal copy of W. Forrest Dawson's Saga of the All American, (Atlanta: Albert Love Enterprises). 1946, first edition. 381pp., 8 1/2" x 12". The maroon leatherette cover bears a gilt presentation at bottom: "LT. GENERAL MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY". The top of the spine bears an approx. 2" x 1" chip, and the gutter is cracked where the front cover meets the spine, otherwise in fine condition, with custom clamshell box. This is the original official division history for the 82nd Airborne Division in World War II, which of course was commanded by Ridgway.

Description:
TERRY ALLEN (1888 - 1969) American general who commanded the 1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Sicily during 1942-43 and the 104th Infantry Division as divisional commander until the end of the war. Great pair of war-date signed items, includes a T.L.S. on 104th Infantry Div. letterhead, 1p. 8vo., [n.p.], June 4, 1945 sending an admirer a 104th (Timberwolf) Division shoulder patch, which he mentions he has also signed. Also included is the patch, which Allen has signed on some brown paper tape affixed to the verso

Description:
COLIN M. BARBER (1897 - 1964) British General who commanded the 15th (Scottish) Division in northwest Europe which had the distinction to lead the three great river crossings of the Seine, the Rhine and the Elbe. War-date T.L.S., 1p. 4to., "Headquarters, 15th Scottish Infantry Division", Nov. 15, 1944 to a friend: "...Very many thanks for...your congratulations on the good fortune I have had so far...I have recollections that you gave me a bottle of whiskey as a parting present...I have seen quite a bit of your fellows...they are doing a grand job, not only here, but in the Pacific...". Very good.

Description:
GOTTLOB BERGER (1896 - 1975) SS Obergruppenfuhrer, Chief of Staff for the Waffen-SS and head of the SS Main Office, tried for POW death marches and convicted in 1949 for his role in the genocide of European Jews and sentenced to 25 years in prison. His sentence was mitigated by the fact that he aided prominent prisoners to escape. T.L.S. on his official letterhead, 1p. oblong 8vo., Berlin, Oct. 4, 1941, asking that Oberdienstleiter Otto Marrenbach be promoted within the SS. Otto Marrenbach (1899-1974), a member of the Reichstag, later became managing director of the DAF. File holes at left, else fine.

Description:
HEINRICH BLEICHRODT (1909 - 1977) German U-boat commander, one of the most successful of the war. From October 1939 until retiring from front line service following a breakdown in December 1943, he sank 25 ships for a total of 152,320 gross register tons. Rare S.P. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" b/w, a Hoffmann chest, up portrait in uniform, boldly signed at bottom. Very good.

Description:
WERNER VON BLOMBERG (1878 - 1946) Minister of Defense and Supreme Commander of the German Armies early in Hitler's regime, resigned following accusations that he had married a prostitute. S.P. 5 1/2" X 3 1/2" b/w, a candid pose of Blomberg greeting a younger soldier, signed adding his rank in blue ink. Ink has faded a bit, else fine.

Description:
GUNTHER BLUMENTRITT (1892 - 1967) German general, instrumental in planning the German invasion of Poland and France, participated in Operation Barbarossa, and afterward bore a large part of the responsibility for planning the defense of the Atlantic Wall and Normandy. S.P. 2" x 2" b/w, a printed chest, up pose signed with rank in 1965. SOLD WITH: an A.L.S. 1p. 12mo., 1965 giving the address of a colleague, with the transmittal envelope bearing his name in the return address. Two pieces.

Description:
RUDOLF BOGATSCH (1891 - 1970) Highly decorated Luftwaffe general who commanded the IV. Flakkorps, Knights Cross recipient. Lot of two signed items, includes an S.P. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" b/w, a Hoffman postcard photo of the general in uniform, and an award of the Iron Cross, 2nd Class, Vienna, June 3, 1943. With a second award bearing printed signature.

Description:
CHARLES BOLTE (1895 - 1989) Chief of Staff of U.S. Forces in the U.K., led the 34th Infantry Division in the rupture of the Gothic Line, the winter campaign in the Apennine Mountains, the capture of Bologna, and the surrender of the Axis forces in Italy. T.L.S. "Charlie" on official letterhead, 2pp.4to., Washington, Jan. 6, 1946 to his ex-commander, Gen. Geoffrey Keyes. In part: "...how fortunate I regard myself in being able to have had that year of combat service moistly as a part of your command...many times when prospects didn't look so bright...remnants of the 34th returned here..." File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
TADEUS BOR-KOMOROWSKI (1895 - 1966) Polish military leader who organized and ordered the Warsaw Uprising. It commenced on August 1, 1944, and the insurgents of the AK seized control of most of central Warsaw. After two months of fierce fighting Bór-Komorowski surrendered. Rare partly-printed D.S. 4pp. 12mo., a 1962 Christmas card signed with rank at bottom. Fine.

Description:
MARTIN BORMANN (1900 - 1945?) Head of the Nazi Party Chancellery and private secretary to Adolf Hitler, by the end of World War II Bormann had become second only to Hitler himself in terms of real political power. T.L.S. on N.S.D.A.P. Party Chancellery letterhead, 1p. 4to., Munich, Jan. 15, 1943 to Reichs Treasurer Franz Schwarz. concerning Dr. Franz Gengler, who promoted anti-Semitic journalism. In part: "...I presented your letter from Jan. 8, 1943 to the Fuhrer...responded that re-acceptance of such people is generally denied. Please take notice...". File holes at left, else very good.

Description:
HEINRICH BORN (1918 - 2008) Wehrmach officer, fought on the Metaxas Line and led a regiment of panzer-grenadiers in an audacious attack at Host for which he was awarded the Knights Cross. Lot of twenty signed photos, 4" x 6", wartime images signed later, four different poses. Fine.

Description:
HEINRICH BORN (1918 - 2008) Wehrmach officer, fought on the Metaxas Line and led a regiment of panzer-grenadiers in an audacious attack at Host for which he was awarded the Knights Cross. Lot of twenty signed photos, 4" x 6", wartime images signed later, four different poses. Fine.

Description:
HEINRICH BORN (1918 - 2008) Wehrmach officer, fought on the Metaxas Line and led a regiment of panzer-grenadiers in an audacious attack at Host for which he was awarded the Knights Cross. Lot of nineteen signed photos, 4" x 6", wartime images signed later, four different poses. Fine.

Description:
OMAR N. BRADLEY (1893-1981) American general of World War II who commanded the largest ground force ever led by one man. He was later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. T.L.S. on his Army Chief of Staff letterhead, 1p. 4to., [Washington], May 4, 1949 to a member of the V.F.W. Bradley politely declines an invitation to address the veteran's organization, citing his duties. He adds, in part: "...Ceremonies such as the one you outline [a memorial unveiling] are an integral part of the American tradition. Neither the size of the memorial nor the proportions of the ceremony make any difference in the enshrinement of our war dead; only of importance is the sincerity...that sincerity, if perpetuated with resolution and steadfastedness, can insure that our comrades did not die in vain...". Heavy mounting remnants on verso, else very good.

Description:
OMAR N. BRADLEY (1893-1981) American general of World War II who commanded the largest ground force ever led by one man. He was later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Fine association S.P. "Omar N. Bradley General U.S. Army" showing him standing beside Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Patton's number two and a key player at Cassino. Fair contrast, else very good.

Description:
OMAR N. BRADLEY (1893-1981) American general of World War II who commanded the largest ground force ever led by one man. He was later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Fine signature on the face of a folding card honoring within the achievements of the 12th Army Group which he led: "…to join the Russians in complete destruction of the Wehrmacht…". Fine. Sold with five shoulder patches, including 1st, 2nd and 20th Armored Division, and XIX Army Corps.

Description:
OMAR N. BRADLEY (1893-1981) American general of World War II who commanded the largest ground force ever led by one man. He was later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Bold signature and rank on an album page, May 31, 1945. Fine.

Description:
WILHELM CANARIS (1887 - 1945) German admiral and head of the German intelligence agency Abwehr. Implicated in the July 20 bomb plot, Canaris was condemned to death and was walked naked and barefoot to the gallows at Flossenburg. Rare, fine content and association A.L.S. "Canaris", 1p. 4to., Wilhelmshaven, June 27, 1933 to HEINRICH HIMMLER, who has docketed and initialed the letter "H H" at top. Canaris, acting as Hitler's secret service chief, submits a cryptic report to the head of the SS. In part: "...The affair E. went constantly through my my thoughts because I had written you about it. Then I realized I could not have foreseen the results of bringing E's request to your attention. Now I am really happy to see the change. Meanwhile, I wrote to Berchtold [?] v. Alexich. It would be really fine if we could talk about that and other things. Please give my regards to Chief of Staff, Mr. [Ernst] Rohm...". Research indicates the "Berchtold" was likely JOSEPH BERCHTOLD (1897-1962), who succeeded Julius Schreck as Reichsführer SS in 1926. He had also been an SA leader in Austria a few years earlier. GEORGE VON ALEXICH was an outspoken opponent of any annexation by Germany, and fled to the U.S. in 1940 to avoid arrest. Himmler and Canaris may have been feeling out Austrian political sentiment as within month, civil war broke out between socialists and nationalists, and within a year Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss would be assassinated by the Nazis. Of course, Himmler, Rohm...and Canaris would also meet untimely ends. Four file holes in left margin affect a few letters of text, else fine.

Description:
MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine content T.L.S. on Headquarters, U.S.Forces in Austria letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Aug. 30, 1945 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who served directly under Clark at Cassino, in the liberation of Rome, and campaigns in northern Italy. In part: "...Today you are leaving the II Corps to take over command of the Seventh Army...you made such a magnificent record in Italy...the breakthrough south of Rome, the advance to the Arno, and the breakthrough of the Arno Line...forcing the surrender of all German forces in Italy...We who fought in Italy are proud of you and the II Corps...You have been a source of reliance and strength...I shall miss you as one of my most trusted and valued commanders...". File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine content T.L.S. "Mark" on Headquarters, U.S. Forces in Austria letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Sep.11, 1945 to Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who served directly under Clark at Cassino, in the liberation of Rome, and campaigns in northern Italy. In part: "...on the anniversary of the American landings at Salerno. My gratitude and admiration go out to the men of II Corps...who fought under you...On that September 9th we held high faith that we would accomplish our task...We face now the challenge of making the peace firm and lasting. I sure we can meet that challenge as we overcame the obstacles at Salerno and the hardships of the Italian campaign...". File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine content and association T.L.S. on "United States Forces in Austria" letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Se3p. 12, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who would take over Clark's old command of the II Corps during the Italian Campaign. Clark cites events of six months earlier: "...When our American Fifth and British Eighth Armies crossed the Po to force the German foe into unconditional surrender..." and sends Keyes a compilation of data from the campaign: "A Military Encyclopedia, Based on Operations in the Italian Campaign,1943 - 1945". File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Fine content and association T.L.S. "Mark" on "United States Forces in Austria" letterhead, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan.5, 1946 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who took over Clark's old command of the II Corps during the Italian Campaign. Clark acknowledges receipt of Keyes' letter and a copy of the history of the II Corps and promises to read them. He adds: "...I shall never forget my days with II Corps, not the indispensible contribution which it made under your magnificent leadership during our long Italian campaigns, and to our final victory last May...". File holes at top, else fine. Clark left the II Corps in North Africa, and shortly after his departure the corps was soundly defeated at Sidi Bou Zid and Kasserine Pass.

Description:
MARK W. CLARK (1896 - 1984) American Army general, commanded the landings at Salerno and Anzio against the forces of Kesselring. Two items, the first a membership for the Fifth Army Division, measures 3 3/4" x 2 2/3", issued to Jack L. Krevisky on Dec. 11, 1944, boldly signed by Clark at bottom. Along with a S.P. 8" x 10" b/w, a reprint of a vintage image of Clark in uniform, boldly signed in black marker. Two items, very good.

Description:
JOSEPH JAMES "JOCKO" CLARKE (1893 - 1971) American admiral and carrier commander, the first Native American to graduate from the Naval Academy. Clark commanded Task Force 58 in the Marianas campaign, including the battle of the Philippine Sea. Signed book, his autobiographical Carrier Admiral, (New York: David Mckay Co., 1967), first edition, 333pp, with fine dust jacket. Inscribed on the front flyleaf to Commander William S. Stuhr who beneath inscribes it to one of his friends. Fine.

Description:
LUCIUS D. CLAY (1897 - 1978) American army general and Governor of the American Zone of occupied Germany who devised the Berlin Airlift to relieve the beseiged city. T.L.S. on his official letterhead as Military Governor, 1p. 4to., Sep. 17, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, a letter of introduction for several metallurgists travelling through the Occupied Zone on a government fact-finding tour. File holes and dockets, else very good.

Description:
JOHN B. COULTER (1891 - 1983) Lieutenant general, commanded the 85th Division in North Africa, and also fought through the Gustav and Gothic Lines during the Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns. Pair of T.L.S.s with his middle name "Breitling" on official letterhead, Ft. McClellan, Al., Jan. 25 and Feb. 7, 1946 to his former commander, Gen. Geoffrey Keyes. Coulter discusses the possibility of having commendations issued to the 85th and 88th Divisions for their operations at Minturno and on the Gothic Line, thanks Keyes in aiding his being awarded the French Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor, as well as a Bronze Star, and surprisingly blames the 10th Mountain Division for its "interference" in prohibiting the 85th from joining Keyes' command. File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
WILLIS D. CRITTENBERGER (1890 - 1980) American general, led armored forces under Patton in North Africa, commander of IV Corps during the later part of Italian campaign from 1944 to the end of the war. A.L.S. "Critt" on Headquarters IV Corps letterhead, along with fully signed return envelope, 2pp. 4to., Paris, Sep. 25, 1945 to his ex-commander, Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, a letter of thanks upon his return to the U.S.. In part: "...In so many ways you saved my official life...it was your great II Corps that got us on the track and fathered us...no one has done more for me than you...I want to pay tribute to your great leadership as a combat soldier...have inspired us all...And so it is all over..." File holes affect nothing, else fine.

Description:
WILLIS D. CRITTENBERGER (1890 - 1980) American general, commander of IV Corps during the later part of Italian campaign from 1944 to the end of the war. War-date A.L.S. "Crittenberger", 1p. 8vo., Fort Knox, Aug. 6, 1940 mentioning that he had read an article on "the armored force". Sold with a First Armored Division shoulder patch. Fine.

Description:
LUDWIG CRUEWELL (1892 - 1958) German general and commander of the Afrika Corps, recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Partly-printed D.S., 2pp. 4to., [n.p.], Feb. 19, 1942, a recommendation that a soldier in his command be awarded the War Merit Cross, Second Class, with Swords. Very good.

Description:
HOLMES E. DAGER (1893 - 1973) American general, commanded the 4th Armored and was with them from Omaha Beach to the Rhine where he witnessed Patton famously urinate in the river. T.L.S. on 11th Armored official letterhead, 1p.4to., [n.p.], Aug. 17, 1945 thanking Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, his former commander, upon the third anniversary of the reformation of the 11th Armored and for his assistance. File holes at top, else fine.

Description:
ADMIRAL DARLAN'S MURDER - "A GIFT"? FREDERIC P. CULBERT O.S.S. officer hidden in the staff of the American Consul in Morocco, also served as Gen. George Patton's deputy advisor on civil affairs. Fine content A.L.S. with news that French Admiral Francois Darlan's murder had been plotted in advance, 3pp. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 4, 1942 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Deputy Commander. Culbert advises that transportation had been arranged for him and that he was arranging airplane transportation for a "Mr Chevreux". He also notes that he had learned from contacts in Casablanca that Darlan "...had been disposed of by members of a group friendly to us 'as a Christmas present and that we would receive another for New Year's Day'..." Culbert further states that he suggested no action be taken to follow-up on the rumor which emanated from a man in the French Deuxieme Bureau named "Ritz". File holes else very good. Francois Darlan (1881 - 1942) was Admiral of the Fleet and commander in chief of the French Navy in 1939. After France surrendered, he served in the pro-German Vichy regime, becoming its deputy leader. When the Allies invaded North Africa in 1942, Darlan was recognized as head of French North Africa, and he ordered French forces to cease resisting and cooperate with the Allies. On the afternoon of 24 December 1942, Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle shot Darlan in his headquarters.

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JOSEPH DE GOISLARD DE MONSABERT (1887 - 1981) French general who commanded the 3rd Algerian Infantry Div. in the Italian Campaign and liberated Siena. In August, 1944 he took command of the French II Corps and took Toulon and Marseille. Lot of four T.L.S.s on his French Commander in Chief in Germany letterhead, 4pp. total, 4to., Oct. 28, 1945 - Jan. 30, 1946 in French to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, commander of the II Corps and Patton's deputy commander who arranged the general's burial. In his Dec. 27 letter, the general deeply mourns the death of Patton, comparing him to Lafayette as a liberator and hero of the French people, and expresses the public's condolences. The balance of the letters (one torn) offer thanks for American participation in a ceremony at Colmar, a complaint that Americans had barged into a hospital treating wounded Germans and photographed the patients, thanks for a camera, etc. File holes and the aforementioned tear, else very good.

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FRIEDRICH AUGUST FREIHERR VON DER HEYDTE (1907 - 1994) Luftwaffe officer who served with the Fallschirmjäger during World War II, reaching the rank of Oberstleutnant. a fierce fighter, he was heavily engaged at Crete, in the defense of the Carentan, and during the battle of the Bulge. Lot of two S.P.s, each 6" x 3 1/2" b/w, printed portraits in uniform boldly signed in blue ink on the mounts. Fine.

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THE CASABLANCA DIVISION OF VICHY FRANCE MARCHES BEFORE PATTON'S ARMY RAYMOND DESRE French general who commanded the Casablanca Division in North Africa and surrendered Casablanca to American invasion forces. Rare T.L.S. on his Casablanca Division letterhead, 1p. 4to., Casablanca, Dec. 15, 1942, in French, just a little over a month after the American landings. Excellent content to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes, Patton's deputy commander, who had witnessed a review of Desre's troops. In part: "...you could tell in the eyes of the leaders like in those of the men, a great hope and a great joy...all of our North African troops...are impatiently waiting to go into combat...the next step is to liberate our party from the crush of Teutonic tyranny...we are happy and proud to blend our flags with those of America...Appearance, discipline, fighting spirit: those are the foundation of victory...". File holes at top, receiving stamp at bottom, still very good.

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JACOB DEVERS (1887 - 1979) American army general and commander of army forces in North Africa, also led the landings in southern France. Fine content T.L.S. "Jake" on official letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Washington, Oct. 22, 1945 to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes who had served under Devers in North Africa. Devers congratulates Keyes for his efforts during the war, in part: "...You were always there when the going was the toughest and as a result your troops have always been successful...you have sound judgment, for you know how to accomplish the most with the least publicity...". File holes at top, else fine.

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JEAN TOUZET DE VIGIERS (1888 - 1980 French general, army officer and head of the cavalry department but secretly collaborated with the French resistance. Switched sides to the Free French under Tassigny, and his troops were some of the first to reach the Rhine. Defended Strasbourg during the Battle of the Bulge. Lot of two T.L.S.s on official letterhead, Strasbourg and Paris, each 1p., Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, 1945, both to Gen. Geoffrey Keyes and in French. Untranslated, but both are letters of thanks and likely concern the return of stained glass windows to the cathedral in Strasbourg and the elaborate ceremony which attended their re-installation. File holes, a tiny edge tear, else fine.

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KARL DONITZ (1891 - 1980) German admiral who headed the U-Boat arm of the German Navy, later succeeded Hitler as Fuehrer after Hitler's suicide. T.Ms.S., 12pp. 4to., [n.p.],Aug. 7, 1970, apparently a chapter from Donitz's memoirs titled "America's War Against Us Before December 11, 1941" citing specific acts of American hostility against Germany and Germany's avoidance of those provocations, boldly signed and dated at conclusion. Fine.

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JAMES H. DOOLITTLE (1896 - 1993) American aviator who gained fame both as a racing pilot and as leader of the first air raid on Tokyo during World War II. Two I.S.P.s, the first a vintage image 8" x 10" b/w, shows Doolittle in uniform. Boldly inscribed at top right: "To Bobby Ree with every good wish J. H. Doolittle". The second is a contemporary image 8" x 10" color, shows Doolittle in his later years in uniform, also boldly inscribed and signed at top right. Very good condition, two pieces.

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DOOLITTLE RAIDERS Fine lot of 34 signatures of men who flew with Jimmy Doolittle on the surprise rataliatory bombing raid on Tokyo, April 18, 1942. Almost all of the signatures are on Doolittle Raid or Battle of the Coral Sea first day postal covers, and most of the survivors have signed adding their plane number, position, or both. Of the signers, six were pilots or co-pilots and ten were navigator-bombardiers.